Root Cause (f, 3, Into Mischief–Vertical Vision {MSW, $202,979), by Pollard's Vision), second at Saratoga Aug. 14 last season in a 1 1/16-mile turf maiden which yielded SP Towhead (Malibu Moon), SP Beauitfulnavigator (Ire) (Expert Eye {GB}), and SP Forever Dixie (Quality Road), made it look effortless here en route to 'TDN Rising Star'-dom at 1-5 favoritism in her 2023 bow over Gulfstream Park grass.
Breaking well but in no hurry to challenge the eager early speed, Root Cause stalked from the two path in third through the first bend. Midway up the backstretch, the eye-catching bay found herself locked in traffic as Tawaret (Pioneerof the Nile) rushed up the rail to claim an opening and the field was closing ranks around her for the run through the far turn. Shuffled back to fifth as 1:13.80 flashed across the board, Irad Ortiz opted for the overland route, and was full of horse when they arrived at the head of the stretch. Unleashing a wicked turn of foot, Root Cause put 2 1/2 lengths on her rivals with a motionless rider in the irons and won as easily as she pleased to claim her diploma over Settling Storm (Tonalist).
A half to Vertical Oak (Giant Oak), MGSW, $773,095–herself dam of 'TDN Rising Star' SP Giant Mischief (Into Mischief)–the victress is her sire's 37th runner to get the TDN stamp of approval. Half-brother Payne (Paynter), SP, $437,870 was a six-time winner in his own right. Thus far the most recent to the races, Root Cause has a 2-year-old half-sister Mitole Vision (Mitole) as well as a yearling half-sister by Authentic. Vertical Vision visited Caravaggio for 2023.
#2 ROOT CAUSE ($2.40) and @iradortiz draw clear in the final stages to take the Sunday opener @GulfstreamPark for trainer Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/bM0gLsQrJL
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 19, 2023
1st-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 3-19, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT, 1:49.11, fm, 2 1/2 lengths.
ROOT CAUSE, f, 3, by Into Mischief
1st Dam: Vertical Vision {MSW, $202,979} by Pollard's Vision)
2nd Dam: Caney Creek, by Service Stripe
3rd Dam: Grace Creek, by Allen's Prospect
Sales record: $375,000 Ylg '21 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $63,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-Jeff Drown; B-Warran J Harang (KY); T-Chad C. Brown.
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